Anthony Guglielmi, the police department's chief spokesman, said Batts wanted to get "entrenched" with the agency, from becoming better acquainted to the command staff to getting up to speed on recent cases. "He's going to spend the next 72 hours doing that," Guglielmi said.

Though Batts' contract is signed and he has started work, he still must be confirmed by the City Council. Confirmation hearings were expected to take place in the middle of October.

Related: The Sun's profile on Batts, covering his upbringing and career on the West Coast.